MIT researchers have developed a wake-up receiver that is one-tenth the size of typical devices and uses only a few microwatts of power.
These receivers help preserve the battery life of tiny Internet Of Things sensors that are difficult to replace. Unlike previous devices, the MIT receiver uses terahertz waves, which are ten times smaller than radio waves, enabling it to be much smaller in size.
The researchers were able to demonstrate wireless communication with a signal source several meters away, making their chip suitable for use in miniaturized sensors and microrobots that can monitor environmental changes in hazardous areas. The device also has potential applications in field-deployable radio networks that collect localized data. The research will be presented at the IEEE Custom Integrated Circuits Conference.